HEADWEAR

Description

A42 encompasses all types of headwear including hats, caps, bonnets, helmets, and similar head coverings for protection, fashion, or functional purposes. This class covers the structure, fastening mechanisms, and materials of headwear articles, but excludes specialized protective equipment classified separately (such as crash helmets in A42C or medical/surgical headgear). The classification includes both traditional and innovative designs in hat and cap construction, linings, bands, visors, and decorative elements integrated into head coverings.

Filing statistics

CPC A42 recorded 23,679 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023, summed across its 2 subclasses. Annual filings declined from 1,569 in 2013 to 1,557 in 2023 (-1%), peaking at 2,754 applications in 2017. The most active applicants in class A42 are 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY (MINNESOTA MINING AND MANUFACTURING INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY) (277 applications), BELL SPORTS (265 applications) and MIPS (225 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings